Spring Has Finally Sprung

At the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts, the days are never-ending, students are barely surviving from one break to another. In the break drought between the beginning of January and the middle of April, students count the minutes, hours, and days until they can get back to relaxation. This year, Spring Break falls on April 14th through the 18th, and I had the opportunity to interview a few students on their plans. Sanai Keys, a Sophomore Instrumentalist, has a jam-packed week. It’s her two close friends’ birthdays, so she’ll be at two AirBnBs from the 13th to the 15th, and again on the 18th to the 20th. I’m expecting Sanai to return to school – the following Monday on the 21st – tired and struggling to remember her Spanish. I turned around and spotted another student, her eyes lighting up and sparkling at the chance to be interviewed. Aaliyah Watson, a Sophomore Dancer, answers enthusiastically about her plans for the week. Though it’s nothing too specific yet, she has a list of ideas from swimming at the beach to having sleepovers. My eyes widen and I respond that she’s got quite the week planned. “Yeah…Live, Laugh, Love, man!” she states.

During 4th period lunch of the same day, I turned to a fellow Sophomore Creative Writer. Mirola Sidarous’ plans consist of shopping to prepare for Orthodox Christmas which falls on January 7, 2026. The holiday is in January instead of December because of the Julian calendar – which they follow – falling 13 days later than the Gregorian. Her excitement radiates through her voice with a smile, and it’s easy to tell how much the holiday means to her and her family. Orthodox Christmas is how Orthodox Middle Eastern, African, and European Christians celebrate the day as they follow a different Julian calendar. I turn to Bella Morris next to me, a Sophomore Theatre major and ask her if she has anything special planned. “Yes, actually!” She answers, enthusiasm coating her tone. “I’m going up to my family’s cabin, and to some creeks with friends,” she smiles, simply ending her statement. For the last interview, I ask the only one that stands out from the already interviewed group as a non-tenth grader. Senior Creative Writer (Ashe, Senior Creative Writer) answers, “Yes, I’m gonna go mini golfing!” They smile at the end and I wish them a great time in two weeks at the courses. To anyone that has anything exciting planned, I hope you have a great time and we’ll see you back here on April 21st!